Total and Maersk Oil: a perfect match?
The multi-billion-dollar deal shows oil and gas M&A is back with a vengeance
An oil company committed to building economies of scale and acquiring assets at the bottom of the market is buying a division operating in similar areas from a company that wants out of the oil business. Total's acquisition of Maersk Oil from AP Moller-Maersk looks like an ideal fit. Total is buying the Danish firm's hydrocarbons unit in a $7.45bn deal, in which AP Moller-Maersk will receive $4.95bn in Total shares, while Total will take on $2.5bn of Maersk Oil debt. On top of the headline figures, down the line, Total will also be liable for Maersk's decommissioning obligations in the North Sea, which are around $3bn. Assuming the deal is approved, it is expected to close in the first quart
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
